4 MILE HIKE IN 3 PARTS

Recommendations from health and fitness experts is that one should walk 5 miles daily – even at 60+; I can’t do that with my gimpy leg.

WALKING BENEFITS: https://www.healthline.com/health/exercise-fitness/average-walking-speed#takeaway

But I think I should be able to handle 4-miles without inflaming that piriformis muscle.

So that is what my starting point is … and I got that underway this morning.

I stopped at the Short Stop Store, across from the Boondox, to grab a quick bite; it’s been a while since I’ve been there. It was strange walking into that store without Bob – I’d always been with Bob and the kids (all the kids; grands, includes). For 44 years, Bob and I had stopped there, off-n-on; getting from point A to point B along Ocean Beach Highway. Walking through the door went okay: my stomach did not get queasy, and tears did not sting my eyes. I found I could speak without a shaky voice while the cashier checked me. My heart is healing.

It was 60-degrees outside, and the Plan was to walk Lake Sacajawea, because that is a guaranteed 4-mile hike if one walks the entire Lake Trail. The trail was workable today (flood waters had abated) – parking was not. I drove around the lake three times hoping for open spot to slide into, before going elsewhere to do my 4-mile walk. There was curb-side parking, but I would rather park off-road, in the little off-road parking lot.

I left downtown Longview, and parked in the parking lot on 30^th and Pacific Way; to walk that end of the Pacific Way Trail.

I didn’t get very far into the hike (31 minutes – 15 minutes walking, turn around; 15 minutes back), before I had to leave due to drifting smoke on the air.

30th & Pacific Way.

A bedraggled fuzzy-wuzzy; did not look healthy, at all.

Mating Mallard Ducks.

“We’re Having a Baby, My Baby & Me”

(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YrTPaa9kJ1o)

Goldeneye Ducks.

The Dike Hike ended after 31 minutes; due to brush burn smoke.

Brush burn with drifting smoke.

The 2nd fuzzy-wuzzy was a little livelier; healthier.

(https://www.raritanheadwaters.org/2020/04/02/creature-feature-woolly-bear-caterpillar/)

I was really beginning to think my walking aspirations were jinxed: no parking at the Lake … and now being run off the Pacific Way Trail by smoke.

But I was determined to get my 4-miles in!

So far, I’d only managed 1½ miles.

After the drifting smoke clouds forced me into the Highlander; I drove to Willow Grove, which is closer to home.

I added 2 more miles to my goal 😊

Exiting the Highlander at Willow Grove, I saw Mt. St. Helens - and a fluttering kite.

High tide.

The covered picnic areas are finished; last time I was here, the construction hadn't even begun yet - the founation was being laid.

The play area gym has been freed up - no more asinine covid barrier.

Kite man.

Snow-topped Mt. St. Helen's showing herself.

Busy Ocean Beach Highway - seen across Willow Grove's width.

All that is left of the white kite from 2019, is shredded tatters.

”Kites” 1969 song:

(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rQAm4wcK0vo)

Winter's sun in an afternoon sky.

Activities at Willow Grove.

Another reason masks are not a good idea.

The sun sliding over the horizon.

Moving into phase 3 of this 4-mile goal.

Willow Grove from Heron Pointe; 8 minutes.

The moon making an appearance.

Mt. St. Helens dominates the skyline; 3 mins to home.

After collecting the mail, and parking in the carport at home; I decided to relax my leg a bit. I balanced the checkbook, shredded the junk mail, and checked social media messages before putting my coat on and walking the final mile around the Park.

It was close to the dusking hour, but still light enough to walk without a light source.

The setting sun was lovely at the far end of the Park.

Sunset at the upper end of Heron Pointe; Industrial Way Rd in background.

Sunset over the Columbia; seen near my street.

Walking a daily 4 miles is doable without stressing that gimpy leg – and if necessary, I can even break it down into a 2-mile walk/twice a day 😉